Civil Aviation issues ruled to operate drones

Santo Domingo.- The Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC) on Mondayreleased regulations to operate drones, or unmanned aircraft over the country,that will require accreditation and compliance with altitude schedules.

The norm focuses on drones weighing from 4.4 pounds (2kg) to 55 pounds (25 kilos), which must be manually flown and always kept on visualcontact with the operator.

The agency said the resolution will be in effect until a newlaw is passed or a regulation is issued, and the International Civil AviationOrganization (ICAO) adopts and publishes rules on technical requirements for drones.

The agency said the maximum allowable takeoff weight is55 pounds, accessories included, but without considering the volume of theparachute, if applicable. Devices that pass this weight fall in a differentcategory, and must request special authorization from IDAC.